The Department of Tourism – Region III joined the inaugural Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025, held in Bacolod City, Negros Island. Themed “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions,” the global event advocates for the Slow Food principles of good, clean, and fair food, with an emphasis on traditional and sustainable food systems, food biodiversity, and community-based experiences as an anchor for Slow Food Travel.

Decked out in City of San Fernando’s iconic handcrafted parols, DOT-III’s dazzling street-food booth became a magnet for local and international visitors craving Aling Lucing’s legendary sisig and Diosdado Restaurant’s kilayin samplers, winning praise from Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez.

The agency’s participation in the Terra Madre marks a historic step in the development of gastronomy tourism in the country, set on inviting high-value visitors to enjoy uniquely local food experiences and the stories behind them.

The Terra Madre Asia & Pacific is a five-day gathering lasting from November 19-23, 2025 that brings together industry experts, farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, youth, academics, policymakers, and advocates from over 20 countries to rediscover, preserve, and celebrate good, clean, and fair food.